Top things to do in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic

There’s nowhere quite like Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, for a magical city break. From its striking Gothic spires to its whimsical chiming clocks, its world-renowned beer culture to its Absurdist literary history, you only have to wander on foot around this Czech gem to know that Prague provides charm in spades. Let’s get into the best things to do in Prague to help inspire an unforgettable European city escape…

Prague’s must-see historic attractions and landmarks

Prague is most remembered for its romantic cobblestone center and ornate town clock—an iconic scene that emanates bohemian Eastern Europe—but there is so much more to see. At every turn, Prague walks you through a storied history, full of castles, quirky features and medieval aesthetics.

Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock

A postcard of Prague would likely feature its Old Town and Astronomical Clock, a scenic landmark that despite its long history, is still buzzing with energy today. Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque façades line the square, while the elegant Church of Our Lady before Týn dominates the skyline with its glorious sharp spires; complemented by St. Nicholas Church’s Baroque elegance.

You can expect to find cafes, restaurants and street performers galore, and the clock chimes every hour—adding to Prague’s whimsical atmosphere. A short stroll east and you’ll come to Charles Bridge, Prague’s most beloved ancient walkway. If you can, try to cross the bridge at sunrise, as it can get very crowded during the day.

Prague Castle Complex

Believe it or not, Europe’s largest ancient castle is still alive and functioning today—covering almost 70,000 square meters. Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors and presidents for over a thousand years and is one of the must-sees on a city break to Prague. A sprawling complex of courtyards, historic buildings and castles with wondrous views, it’s almost a city within a city.

Wander St. Vitus Cathedral to admire its Gothic facades and stunning stained glass, and pass by Golden Lane, where tiny colorful houses once housed medieval alchemists. Other must-sees include the Old Royal Palace and Basilica of St. George.

Wenceslas Square, the heart of Prague’s New Town

Though ‘new’ compared to the Old Town, New Town was founded in 1358 by Charles IV. It includes Wenceslas Square, a thriving hub that has set the stage for centuries of Czech history, such as coronations, demonstrations and protests—including recent events of the Velvet Revolution which ended Communist rule in Czechoslovakia.

Today it’s an example of living Prague, full of picturesque Gothic and Baroque buildings alongside more contemporary additions, as the statue of Saint Wenceslas (yes, from the King Wenceslas Christmas carol) gazes down onto revelers from horseback.

Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Josefov was home to Prague’s Jewish community for centuries, dating back to the medieval period. Today, Prague’s Jewish Quarter is worth visiting for its blend of cobblestone streets and fascinating buildings; historic synagogues like the Spanish Synagogue and the Old-New Synagogue, an excellent Jewish Museum, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

The best neighborhoods to explore in Prague

Prague is definitely a place to wander and get lost on foot, as exploring its distinct neighborhoods is the ideal way to absorb its bohemian energy.

The Old Town and New Town

As well as touring the Old Town’s ornate facades, cozy cafes and street entertainment, which some would say form the tourist center of the city, take time to explore the New Town. As mentioned, this ‘new’ town is still as old as the 14th century, but it’s a lively and bustling district with a pleasing combo of historic and contemporary architecture. Unlike the Old Town’s narrow pathways there are airy, wide boulevards to stroll, and galleries and museums to pop into.

The village feel of Lesser Town

The Lesser Town (locally called Malá Strana), nestled on the west bank of the Vltava River below Prague Castle, has more of a village feel. It offers peaceful squares and hidden courtyards, plenty of spots to snap photos of St. Nicholas Church, and pleasant walks around Vrtba Garden. As it’s at one end of Charles Bridge it’s also a great place to pause for a local trdelník (chimney cake), coffee or Czech beer with a landmark view.

Vinohrady, for local haunts

For local life and hidden gems, check out Vinohrady. This district is leafy, breezy and calm, with a very different vibe to the tourist centers; a great place to get among locals catching up over coffee, relaxing in green spaces such as Riegrovy Sady, or gathering at craft beer houses and wine bars. As with everywhere in Prague, the architectural design is a treat—elegant Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance buildings line the streets here.

Read more: Our best multi-destination tours of Central Europe

Top viewpoints and scenic spots in Prague

There’s nothing like sipping a drink before a city skyline to wind down the day, especially when traveling with a loved one. Some of the best views of Prague can be glimpsed from some choice spots, where the city’s red-tiled rooftops and spires stretch out below…

• The number one choice is likely Petřín Hill and its Lookout Tower, where you can climb the tower or wander the hillside paths to be rewarded with glorious views over Old Town and the Castle, and trace the Vltava River winding through the city.
• Slightly off the tourist radar, Vyšehrad Castle offers a quieter vantage point. From its ramparts, you can gaze across the river toward the heart of the city, defined by its towering spires, ancient bridges and parks, all from a peaceful perch that feels satisfyingly hidden away.
• A sunset favorite for visitors and locals is Letná Park, a green space with wide open lawns and raised terraces that serve as a dramatic backdrop to the changing skies. Make the most of the golden light here as the sun dips behind the skyline at the end of the day.

Top things to do in Prague for culture vultures

Prague is full of art, literature and strangeness, the perfect concoction for fans of culture and the arts.

Exquisite exhibits, from the National Museum to the Kafka Museum

If you’re a fan of oddities, you won’t be left wanting in Prague. The National Museum is great for an in-depth look at Czech history, but you’ll also find other museums that go far beyond the usual paintings and artefacts…

You could pop into the Museum Kampa on Kampa Island for modern Czech art (this private gallery made The Guardian’s list of hidden gems); the National Technical Museum near Letná Park for old steam engines, vintage cars and early aircraft exhibits; or even the Museum of Chamber Pots (yes, toilets).

Unmissable for culture vultures is the Franz Kafka Museum, where the life of Prague’s most enigmatic writer is explored in immense detail. The exhibit is split into both the ‘Existential Space’ and ‘Imaginary Topography’ section, and invites you to imagine how Prague as a city inspired the literary icon.

Ghosts, alleyways and beer spas

There are countless ways to get to know the quirky side of Prague. Many visitors have fun on a Ghosts and Legends tour of the Old Town, in which a local guide leads around the narrow walkways telling tales of 15th‑century alchemists, lost souls of the formerly executed, and the legendary ‘Golem’ that guards the city.

More whimsy comes from the little passage known as Vinárna Čertovka (often called Prague’s narrowest street). At a mere 50cm wide, it even features a pedestrian traffic light at each end so people don’t get stuck in transit. For a totally weird experience, try one of the beer‑spas dotted around Prague. You won’t forget relaxing in an oak tub filled with hops, malt and yeast extracts while also sipping on a cold Czech beer.

Prague’s famous food and drink scene

Prague embraces the typical heartiness of Eastern European food, so plenty of opportunities await for you to feel cozy and well-fed:

• Traditional dishes are often meat-heavy, like svíčková (beef in creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings), goulash, and comforting roast duck served with red cabbage.
• Vegetarians are well catered for, however—many restaurants will serve mushroom or cheese dumplings, potato pancakes or vegetable goulash, and you’ll notice a growing number of vegetarian and vegan cafés, and even plant-based fast food outlets.
• Street food in Prague is delicious—be sure to try trdelník as a sweet treat, a sweet rolled pastry dusted with sugar and cinnamon, or a tasty sausage from a market stall.
• Drinks are a highlight as Prague is famous for its beer culture, with well-known Pilsners and local craft brews served in nearly every pub; while Czech wines, especially from Moravia, are also excellent in their complexity. Good cafés are everywhere, so caffeine fiends can grab a strong coffee and a pastry to enjoy while watching passers-by.

Seasonal events and festivals

If you’re unsure when to go to Prague, there are so many notable events to plan your trip around:

• In the spring, the Czech Beer Festival pours dozens of local and international brews to revelers in busy outdoor tents, while the World Roma Festival Khamoro fills the streets with music and traditional dancing to celebrate Romani culture. Spring also brings the Prague Fringe Festival for a spot of comedy, performance art and spoken word poetry.
• By the time fall arrives, October’s Signal Festival fills Prague’s historic streets with jaw-dropping light projections. It’s a treat to see the sublime architecture lit up with contemporary beams.
• Of course, winter brings Prague’s Christmas Markets, which send the town squares twinkling with lights all across the city. A huge Christmas tree looks down as you fill up on mulled wine, traditional handicrafts and festive treats—it’s one of the most atmospheric places in Europe to soak up some holiday magic.

Read more: Europe’s most magical Christmas markets to visit this year

Make it happen

To plan a trip to Prague, get in touch with our local travel experts in Czechia. They’re based on the ground, equipped with the in-depth local knowledge to build an amazing city break in Prague.